Clarinex Wins Broader FDA Approval

Schering-Plough Corp.’s Clarinex allergy drug won U.S. approval for hives and reactions to dust and animal dander. The expanded uses may attract patients taking the drug’s predecessor, Claritin, before it loses U.S. patent protection by year end.

Claritin, with $3.2 billion in 2001 sales, has Food and Drug Administration approval only for chronic hives and outdoor allergies.

The new drug Clarinex, cleared in December for outdoor allergies, has the broadest range of approved uses among nonsedating antihistamines, the company and analysts said.

A rival medicine, Aventis’ Allegra, has been approved for treatment of seasonal allergies and hives.

Shares of Kenilworth, N.J.-based Schering-Plough rose $1.83 to $34.10 on the NYSE.